Scouring Museums

The transcript discusses the debate on whether quasi crystals are inherently delicate or energetically favored phases. It explores the possibility of forming quasi crystals in laboratories and their natural occurrence. The speaker shares their experience of searching for quasi crystals in museums, highlighting the challenges of distinguishing them from other materials like pyrites. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding quasi crystals for both fundamental physics and practical applications.

What is one of the main debates about quasi-crystals?

• Whether they are inherently delicate or energetically favored

• If they can be used in jewelry

• Whether they are more colorful than crystals

• If they can be found on other planets

What alternative to laboratory creation does the speaker suggest for finding quasi-crystals?

• Looking in nature

• Using computer simulations

• Conducting chemical experiments

• Studying ancient texts

Where did the speaker go to search for naturally occurring quasi-crystals?

• American Natural History Museum and Smithsonian

• The Met and Guggenheim

• The Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery

• The Louvre and British Museum

What challenge did the speaker face when identifying quasi-crystals in museums?

• Understanding the museum labels

• Distinguishing them from materials that mimic them

• Finding enough samples

• Getting permission to access collections

What is a common material that can mimic the appearance of quasi-crystals?

• Pyrites

• Quartz

• Granite

• Basalt